Despite a weather forecast calling for overcast skies and a 40% chance of thunder showers, Saturday arrived with clear blue skies in Northern Michigan. Other than a brief 15-minute downpour which started right before Senator Debbie Stabenow was to officially reactivate the light, everything came together flawlessly.

An estimated 1,000 people showed up for the celebration, with many of them (Hersh included) enduring at least a one-hour wait to climb the tower to enjoy the view of the Straits of Mackinac from the new lantern, and to listen to yours truly drone on about the lantern installation and the new optic.

Videographer Dan Salas was one of a number of media folks in attendance, and Dan has already posted a video of the event on his website at http://www.positivelymichigan.net Scroll down the home page until you see the McGulpin Point section, click play, and enjoy.

GLLKA published a limited edition commemorative 16-page booklet on the history of McGulpin Point lighthouse for sale at the event, of which we have a few remaining copies. The book features historic images, correspondence and lighthouse plans along with photos taken during the raising of the new lantern. The book is available for $5.00 in the "Great Lakes Lighthouse History" book section in our online store at http://www.gllka.com

I will post some photos of the dedication as time becomes available over the coming few days.

Many kudos to Terry and the GLLKA group for the great job done on McGulpin and on setting up the ceremony. I was fortunate enough to be in the building in line (closer to 90 minutes) for a trip to the lantern when the rain came. Here's a snap I got of our intrepid docent expounding in grand style on the wonder that is McGulpin Point light.

And towards the end of my trip I stopped at a favorite scenic lookout on US 2 west of St. Ignace that has a great view of the straits. On a clear day you can see St. Helena Island, White Shoal, Gray's Reef, Waugoshance, and the Mackinac Bridge from there. And now, with the trees being cut down, you can see McGulpin Point poking out for the first time since 1923. ( I think it's 1923, I don't have my commemorative book in the office with me, but I'm sure glad I bought one! ) The road visible leading to the water is Headlands Rd., this is looking almost due south from the lookout.

I was using my 80-400mm on the D300, so it had an effective field of view of a 600mm zoom. And I cropped the photo down a bit to make the tower easier to see. I sent you a TIFF of this one with much better color along with the others, Terry.

The cooperation of all parties to get this done in such a short period of time should act as a model for restoration projects to follow ... The video was spectacular ... Terry's narrative the best ... and Mike, thanks for adding the stills ...

Believe those who search for the truth ...
Doubt those who find it ...

As promised, here are some photos taken by my wife during the re-dedication ceremonies. I spent the entire day locked in the lantern, and didn't have the time to take any myself......

Although the ceremony was scheduled from 1100 to 1400, many people arrived early to make the climb into the new lantern.

One of the helos from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City circled the area a couple of times at straight-up noon to catch everyone's attention, and announce that things were underway.

A contingent of Boy Scouts from Troop 2 from Pellston, Michigan hoisted Old Glory to open the ceremony.

GLLKA's indomitable President Dick Moehl served as Master of Ceremonies for the celebrations.

Pastor Dave Wallis of the Church of The Straits in Mackinaw City gives the invocation.

Members of the Little Traverse Bay Band of the Odawa tribe at their drum during the invocation

Featured speakers Dr. Bill Anderson, retired Director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and Frank Ettawageshik, Tribal Chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Poet Mary Stewart Adams reads her modern-day version of Edgar Guest's poem "The Lighthouse Keeper Wonders", which she wrote especially for the event.

An overall view of part of a small part of Saturday's crowd.

The queue to climb the tower lead from here at the back door, all the way through the dwelling to the bottom of the stairs, where groups of five were ushered to the second floor to await the departure of the previous group. It was backed up like this all day.

Here I am waiting at the top of the steps in the lantern for the next group of five to make the climb to enjoy the new view of The Straits.

Here I am laying a wreath over the wreck of the Cedarville which sank east of the Mackinac Bridge in May 1965. Almost 100 people braved rough water and high wind to cruise the Straits on this special commemorative lighthouse cruise.

Finally, with everything packed up and the day's festivities over, the lighthousewas left in peace and quiet to serve her solemn purpose.